1. Ask what the percentage refers to
“65 % recycled” can mean a share of the fibre or of the finished product, by weight. A bag with a recycled felt body may have a handle, lining or patch that is not recycled. Ask for it in writing, by component.
2. Check the scope certificate
A scope certificate under the Global Recycled Standard or the Recycled Claim Standard says that a named company and site may handle certified materials for certain product categories and processes. Check the name, the address, the validity dates and the listed products. Certificate numbers can be checked with the issuing body.
3. Ask for a transaction certificate
This is the document that links certified material to a specific shipment, with lots and weights. Without it, a factory’s certificate shows only that it could have used certified material, not that your order did. Ask before production, because certificates cannot always be issued after the event.
4. What if there is no certificate?
Small mills may offer only a declaration. It is better than nothing, but it is not independent. Say so to your customer, or simply sell it as polyester felt. A clear, modest claim is safer than a strong one you cannot prove.
5. Keep records
Directive 2006/114/EC lets courts ask an advertiser to prove factual claims, so keep certificates, the composition by component and your calculation for as long as you use the claim. See sustainability and proof for sample wording.
